To retain the same staff you opened with in 2001 says a lot about a company and Orange Property Services is in that healthy position.

The business, based in Windmill Street, Gravesend, has enjoyed increased growth over the past decade on account of migration but since the prospect of leaving the EU loomed, there has been a shift in tenants’ activity. The firm has had to facilitate language barriers, ensuring the process is clear for those who remain.

When the new landlord tax status appeared, initially there was little impact, but since April 17 more have decided to sell. This has caused a lot of distress to tenants forced to leave their homes.

In response, Orange Property Services has held a forum with tax planners and financial advisers for landlords and sent text alerts to tenants and landlords as the news unfolded so they could make informed decisions.

Property agents have a great number of responsibilities. From immigration to money laundering and fraud - which can result in large fines being applied to the front liners - it has meant increased IT security, training and accrediting the team has been a key challenge this year.

As well as investing in new software to manage the changes, all staff now have ARLA qualifications, the industry-recognised qualification for property managers.

Director Saira Haider said: “The role of estate agents and property managers is evolving. We are in a transforming market where only experience will survive.

“We show you how to invest in property but also how to reduce your risk and liability.

“We can take you from buying your first property to assisting with every step of building your own. The directors are qualified mortgage advisors, just another string to the bow to catapult your journey.”

The company has also taken on two apprentices this year, investing a lot of time with both.

This year’s sponsors are: University of Greenwich, Barnes Roffe, Handleshanken, KM Media Group, Kuflink, Gravesham council, Rise Communications, Hatten Wyatt, Caxtons, Partnership Invoice Finance, GK Coffee Group (Starbucks), and SoftForge.